AUTHOR=Pozet Astrid , Darnis Sophie , Bonnet Magalie , Meurisse Aurélia , Dabakuyo-Yonli Tienhan Sandrine , Lejeune Catherine , Fagnoni Philippe , Gaimard Maryse , Manckoundia Patrick , Quibel Clémence , Marchand Mélanie , Anota Amélie , Nerich Virginie 

TITLE=Quality of Life and Needs in Caregivers: Results From the Prospective Multicentric Open-Label Randomized Study of Informal Caregivers of Elderly Patients

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 68 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605459

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1605459

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Objectives. This study explored the quality of life (QoL) in caregivers of elderly patients, early in the disease course of chronic disabilities.
Methods. This multicenter open-label randomized study assigned caregivers to receive support from social workers (supportive intervention group) with an information booklet or an information booklet exclusively (control group). Caregivers completed SF-36 and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, quarterly, and Zarit Burden Interview each semester, during two years. We describe caregiver and patient characteristics, and reported caregivers QoL changes at 12 months (M12) and 24 months (M24), on individual and aggregate levels, using paired-t test comparisons, and minimal important difference. Longitudinal QoL assessments over two years were reported.
Results. From 2015 to 2019, 179 caregivers randomized reported no differences in SF-36 physical and mental summary score mean changes, neither in anxiety and burden scores, over time. However, depression scores showed a clinically significant increase of 1.4 (4.0) at M12, and 1.7 (4.1) at M24 in the control group. 
Conclusion. Appropriate help is required to support caregivers, prevent caregiver QoL deterioration and decrease depression early in the course of the disease.